AN 'ALARMING amount' of alcohol is being given to Heywood children by their own parents, teams on a special operation in the town have discovered.

A 100-day war has targeted off-licences as much as the teenagers causing problems throughout the town.

But patrols from New Heart's community engagement team, neighbourhood wardens and police community support workers have discovered many youngsters aren't buying the drink.

In many cases, their parents are giving it to them.

Large amounts of drink have been confiscated and replaced free with bottled water provided by White's Building Services. And many parents have been contacted by letter from the police.

The team says some off-licences have been ignoring the law and undercover checks on shops are continuing as the 100-day operation draws to a close.

People involved in the campaign met to discuss how it has gone so far and issued a warning to off-licence owners that they face being closed down if they sell alcohol to anyone under 18.

Investigations have included licensing officers and Trading Standards using young people to make test purchases.

A poster campaign has been run and off-licences are being given a DVD by Heywood Township, which highlights which products have age limits on their sale. They include not only alcohol but also fireworks, cigarettes and spirit-based glue.

Other measures to keep youngsters off the street include sporting activities on Friday evenings at Heywood Sports Complex and a regular Thursday disco at Foobar, which started last week.

New Heart chief executive Vicki Devonport said they were still evaluating the 100-day project but added: "A huge amount of time and effort has been given to this campaign and we now need to look at how we sustain the positive outcomes and look at the next stage of our plans."

The town's police chief, Inspector Angela Bradley, admitted the campaign has not eradicated under-age drinking on the streets.

She said: "In 100 days this would be impossible, but calls to the police about nuisance on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings are at a minimum.

"We now need to work with schools about educating children on the dangers of drinking."

"We have already spoken to the Community High School and we are now trying to access other schools to educate children all over town."